The Magna Carta essays

The Magna Carta essays Power in Medieval England was unorganized and corrupt. Past rulers such as King John (1199-1216) had abused their positions and unsuccessfully carried out their obligations. The Magna Carta came into existence in 1215 for the purpose of limiting the authority of the king and his officials. It was the first step in creating a constitutional government in England. Clause fourteen accounts for taxation without representation. Taxes were created by a number of officials that followed certain procedures outlined in the document. Several other clauses such as twelve and fifteen limit the use of tax money in a way that seems to be irrelevant and incomplete. In the years before the Magna Carta, the taxation system was poorly arranged and taxes were imposed unfairly, which led to the unjust treatment of the people. The clauses lacked details but were valuable because no other system made these kinds of limitations. Clause thirty-nine makes a trial available to any freeman accused of a crime. No freeman can be imprisoned or punished without a trial. This important clause is preceded by clause thirty-eight which does not allow any freeman to be put on trial without a reason. Some justice can be upheld with these few clauses but can be ultimately disregarded by a wealthy official. Loopholes existed in great numbers. The ideas behind these clauses are beneficial yet weak because of the imprecision behind the structure. Several clauses throughout the Magna Carta were created to secure other clauses. Clause thirty-six says that any clauses preceding it would not be denied to any freeman. It is ironic how the following clauses concern the typical citizen the most. Clause sixty three does not allow any of the other sixty-two clauses to be used in bad faith. This clause makes it punishable to misuse any part of the Magna Carta. The writers left plenty of room for abuse. Without these securities, the ideas behind ...